The corn snake is a "red rat snake" from the genus Elaphe guttata guttata. It has recently been regrouped into the classification Pantheropis instead of Elaphe, but the acceptance of this is not yet worldwide.
It is an easily tamed snake available in a variety of colours and patterns, that grows from 3 to 6 feet in length, but remains a slender, light weighted snake.
The wide variety of colours available along with it's ease of care and friendly personality make it a very popular pet.
Corn snakes are bred in captivity across the world, and few are now taken from the wild, where they originate in the U.S.A.
The corn snake has a lifespan that is usually described as 15-20 years, however the oldest corn snake recorded in captivity was 32 years and 2 months old. Of course we have no idea how long they live in the wild as no extensive studies have been done into recording this data, but it is fairly safe to say your corn snake should be around for quite a while, so be prepared for this commitment before you buy.
This is my guide to corn snakes. I am not liable for the information contained within. For a published book, I can recommend "The Corn Snake Manual" by Bill & Kathy Love.
Please do not copy any of the information here without permission.
Thank you.
Please select which section you would like to navigate to.
Introduction
Housing
Heating
Handling
Feeding
Health
Breeding
Incubator Guide
Egg Binding
Housing Together
If you are thinking about purchasing a corn snake, and require a setup, please visit Reptile Cymru in Cardiff, who sell plastic starter kits from £30, and full setups for adults in 3 foot wooden vivariums from £125 (including heating/lighting).